A. Panel: Farmers & Climate Change
This will be a panel discussion with farmers who are
seeing and experiencing the impacts of climate change on their farms. We’ll talk about what is happening, and how
different farming practices are dealing with these impacts. What’s working,
what’s not and what the future might look like.
Paul Rohrbaugh; with his family
has been on their ranch for nearly 35 years. They have raised three sons on the
ranch and involved them in all aspects of the operation. They have used
management intensive grazing of their grassland since mid-80s, utilizing
poultry, sheep, and cattle. They also utilize rotational haying and fire to
improve the grasses. They direct market under the name of Pawnee Pride Meats
(chosen by ballot from their sons). There are now seven grandchildren that all
“help” in various capacities.
Crystal Powers; Darby
Springs Farm. Our farm lies on a wetland (20ac) and creek bottom, so we are
experience first hand the increase in rainfall intensity, but also the
resilience in years of drought. Holistic planning helps us manage the
increasing extremes and sequester carbon in our soils.
B. Cover Crops for Vegetable Production & Beyond
This session will be geared for vegetable production
and will cover; What are cover crops and why do they matter? Benefits of using
cover crops; Soil biology and nutrient cycling; Choosing the right species;
Planting; Management; Termination; Tillage
Nate Belcher, owner of Green Acres Cover Crops, is
passionate and dedicated to helping producers implement farming methods that
are regenerative, productive, and financially viable. Green Acres was founded on the principle that
healthy, biologically rich soils are the cornerstone upon which sustainable
food production depends on. The
relationship between plants, animals and the land is key to agricultural
systems that are self-sustaining and productive which is why Green Acres focus
is providing producers with the knowledge and seeds needed to feed their
animals, crops, and soils. Nate lives in
Omaha, Nebraska with his wife Becky and son Rye, and could not be more excited
about what the future of farming looks like.
C. Swiss Army Landscaping – Multi-Use Plants for
Improved Landscape Engagement
Graham Herbst uses the term
“Swiss Army Landscaping” to refer to multi-use plants and landscapes that
better connect people to their outdoor spaces. Topics will include
landscape ethics and renewed creativity through exposure to new plant material
and new ways to use plants and landscape materials “Rather than just
designing our landscapes for ornamental qualities, we should consider how to
make them more compelling and engaging us in new, unique ways.”
Graham Herbst is a native Nebraskan and graduate of the Horticulture Program at the
University of Nebraska - Lincoln. After working in the landscape and
arboriculture industries, he moved to the Nebraska Forest Service to promote
innovative Urban Forestry projects as the Community Forestry Specialist for
Eastern Nebraska. Graham loves growing trees and food at home, connecting
people and information through social media and bringing the family out to
plant trees and explore each corner of the state.
